As we head into winter, it’s important to make sure the right preparations are in place on your site! Whether you’re continuing work throughout the winter, or reducing operations, we’ve put together some top tips for keeping your site safe and productive below.
For more specific winterisation guides, take a look at our checklist for woodchippers, our guide on winterising utility tractors or our tips for tree care machinery.
Inspect and clear the site
Inspecting and clearing your sites in winter will allow for better project planning, making sure that any necessary permits and preparations are in place before spring.
Also, with foliage gone, it’s easier to spot potential hazards in winter, like dead trees, unstable soil or utility lines that might be obscured in warmer months.
Winterise your drills
Winterising your horizontal directional drills (HDDs) is essential to ensure it operates efficiently and to avoid serious damage. Here are our top tips for maintaining them properly over the winter:
- Ensure the drill’s hydraulic systems and fluid reservoirs are filled with winter-grade fluids, which are designed to perform well and not gel in low temperatures.
- Fully charge batteries and consider using battery heaters or keeping spare batteries in a warmer environment.
- Check all wiring and electric connections for corrosion, which can be exacerbated by moisture and freezing conditions.
- Make sure drill rods are stored away or covered to avoid freezing and corrosion.
- Before winter operations begin, perform a through inspection of the HDDs, looking for any signs of wear, damage or leaks. Seals and gaskets should be intact, as cold weather can exacerbate damage and cause cracking to rubber parts.
- Make sure the drill’s water supply is well-insulated, as water can freeze in pipes or the rig’s fluid circulation system. Drain leftover water after each use to prevent freezing.
Watch our walkthrough guide for more detail on winterising your drills and preventing costly damage to your equipment.
Provide a heated break area
A heated break area helps keeps your team warm during breaks, which is essential for comfort in harsh weather conditions. Cold temperatures can lead to frostbite and hypothermia, so a heated break area will allow workers to warm up, reducing the risk of cold-related injuries.
Comfortable workers are also more productive, and a heated space allows workers to rest and recharge, leading to improved focus and efficiency when they return to the job.
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1999 outline requirements for workplace welfare, including the provision of adequate rest areas and the need for comfortable working conditions, which may include temperature control.
Provide proper PPE
Proper personal protective equipment for workers in winter is essential to ensure safety and comfort in cold conditions. This includes things like:
- Insulated outerwear
- Base layers
- Insulated, waterproof boots with good traction to prevent slips on icy surfaces
- Head protection and warm, insulated hard harts or helmet liners
- Insulated gloves that provide dexterity
- Waterproof gloves for wet conditions
- High-visibility jackets or vests that are also insulated to ensure visibility in low-light conditions
- Warm ear protection to protect against cold and noise on site
Warm up equipment and tools
Warming up your machinery in winter is crucial to ensure efficient operation and to prevent damage from cold temperatures. Make sure to check fluid levels first (oil, hydraulic fluid) and allow the engine to run for several minutes before starting operations. This will help to lubricate the engine’s components and allow fluids to reach optimal operating temperatures. You might also want to consider using winter-grade fuel or additives that prevent fuel gelling in cold temperatures.
Also make sure to keep your machinery’s battery warm and charged, as cold weather can reduce battery efficiency.
Use weatherproof coverings
Weatherproof coverings will help to protect your equipment and ensure optimal performance by providing insulation, water resistance, wind protection and debris shielding.
Insulation
Weatherproof covers are often made from insulated materials that trap heat generated by the machinery. This helps maintain a warmer temperature inside the cover, preventing components from freezing.
Water resistance
A water-resistant cover will shield your machinery from snow, rain and moisture, preventing rust and corrosion (which can be costly to repair).
Debris shielding
Covers protect machinery from ice, snow build-up, and other debris that can accumulate during winter. This helps prevent physical damage and reduces the amount of cleaning and maintenance required.
Lighting
As days get shorter and natural light diminishes, proper lighting becomes essential for your site’s safety and efficiency. Adequate lighting helps prevent accidents by ensuring workers can clearly see their surroundings, reducing the risks of trips and falls. Proper lighting also enhances visibility for operating machinery and handling materials. Good lighting can also improve productivity by allowing work to continue effectively despite shorter daylight hours.
BS 5266-1 provides guidelines on emergency lighting in workplaces, ensuring that adequate illumination is available in case of emergencies, which is particularly vital in winter when daylight is limited.
Options to consider include LED floodlights, portable work lights, heavy-duty string lights and temporary lighting towers (great for high-intensity lighting for large areas).
Proper material storage
Storing machinery in a sheltered area, such as a heated garage or a temporary structure, helps prevent damage from freezing temperatures and moisture. Additionally, it’s important to conduct regular maintenance checks before storing equipment, including fluid levels, battery condition, and fuel stabilisation. Implementing a routine cleaning process to remove dirt and grime can also prevent corrosion and facilitate easier start-up in the spring.
Monitor weather warnings
Regularly assessing forecasts helps in making informed decisions about work schedules, ensuring that activities can be adjusted or halted as needed to protect your team. Additionally, having a contingency plan in place for adverse weather can streamline communication and ensure that all team members know the protocols to follow in case of bad weather.
There are a number of ways you can get your site prepared for the winter months! By doing so, you’ll help prolong the longevity of your equipment, improve productivity and ensure worker safety and comfort. We can also help out through our professional servicing to make sure your machines are in full working order.
To find out more about the range of machinery we have available, browse our products our get in contact with our expert team today.
Vermeer Corporation delivers a real impact on the way important work gets done through the design, manufacture and support of high-quality industrial and agricultural equipment that helps connect people to the necessities of life, manage natural resources and feed and fuel communities. With a reputation for being built tough and built a better way, that equipment is backed by localized customer service and support provided by independent dealers around the world. To learn about Vermeer Corporation, products, the dealer network, financing options and careers, visit vermeer.com.